the residential school
The residential school is designed to help the Cree children, to convert them to Catholicism and “civilize” them. In actuality, it ruins the children’s lives because of the nuns’ physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. Rather than assimilating the Xavier and Elijah to a white and Catholic culture, it turns them resentful and makes them desperate to escape and return to their Cree lifestyle in the bush: doing exactly the opposite of what it’s intended to do.
Joseph Netmaker's letter
Niska wants to write Xavier a letter to reassure him. She wants Xavier to know that she wouldn’t judge him for any normally amoral acts he must commit, since he is in the extraordinary context of war. Instead, Netmaker’s poor grasp of English makes the letter say that Niska has died, making Xavier feel desperate rather than reassured. Although Niska’s letter is well-intentioned, it actually sets Xavier on the path toward depression, as well as planting the seed of the idea that he must kill Elijah if his friend spirals too far out of control.
the use of morphine
Xavier uses morphine to escape the pain of reality. The “sunlit river” of the drug makes him feel comforted and safe, insulating him from thoughts of the horrors of war and guilt over killing Elijah. However, his continued use of the drug only makes the reality he must return to more and more unbearable to live in. The physical symptoms of withdrawal create a reality that is even more painful than the one he faced before his addiction began. Although morphine seems to be the solution to escaping pain, it ironically only brings Xavier further pain and threatens the end of his life.
Elijah's marksmanship
Elijah is an undeniably talented sniper, able to make shots from great distances with incredible accuracy. It is this skill—in addition to an almost reckless bravery—that leads Elijah to be awarded with medals and other recognition from the army. This validation and heroism is what Elijah has wanted from the beginning of the war. Ironically, though, this same skill makes Elijah obsessed with killing, to the point where he is so deluded with morphine and exhaustion that he can no longer even appreciate the fact that he is being awarded. Initially the key to success, Elijah’s shooting skills eventually bring about his downfall.
